Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.